This television image broadcast on Qatar’s Al-Jazeera TV, is said to show Osama bin Laden, at the wedding of his son. The ceremony took place on Tuesday Jan. 9, 2001 in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar. (AP Photo/Al-Jazeera/TV)

Congressmen John Campbell, R-Irvine, and Ed Royce, R-Fullerton, are applauding the killing of Osama bin Laden, but warning continued vigilance against terrorism is necessary.

Royce and Rep. Dana Rohrabacher are raising questions about Pakistan’s role and sentiments in the event, while Rep. Loretta Sanchez, D-Santa Ana, congratulated the armed forces and President Barack Obama.

“This was the figurehead of 9/11 and getting him was important – not only because he was a target but for the American psyche,” said Campbell. “We’ve finally brought the last piece of this to justice.”

Campbell said the killing is more symbolic than strategically important at this point, and noted increased vigilance may be in order.

“Al Qaida still exists,” he said. “It’s not done with or even diminished. In a perverse way, it could motivate terrorists to get active again. The vigilance must remain.”

Campbell said this doesn’t change his opposition to the current U.S. presence in Afghanistan.

“This is the kind of operation we should continue, not occupation,” he said.

Rohrabacher was in a celebratory mood, but wary of the Pakistanis.

“We put the champagne in the freezer so we can celebrate that bin Laden is finally where he belongs,” he said. “The American people’s sould could never be at rest until bin Laden was dead.

“The president did not thank the Pakistanis. It appears they did not have any role in this. This makes it clear that the Pakistanis are not our friends. …If the Pakistanis helped, I’ll apologize.”

Rohrabacher also issued this written statement:

“Congratulations to our U.S. special forces teams and intelligence community who were able to carry out this mission to kill Osama Bin Laden successfully,” said Rohrabacher. “Better late than never.”

“This doesn’t mean the War on Terror is over,” Rohrabacher continued. “What it does mean is that no one can kill scores of Americans and think they can get away with it.

Below are the statements issued by Sanchez and Royce. Thanks to fellow reporter Elysse James for her help in gathering the statements.

“I congratulate our armed forces, intelligence community and President Obama for bringing Osama Bin Laden to justice,” Sanchez said. “It has taken nearly 10 years to capture Americas most wanted terrorist, and the brave and relentless actions of our military are nothing short of heroic.

“Tonight, my thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families who suffered from the horrific events of September 11. As the global fight on terrorism continues, let this reaffirm that the United States is committed to the relentless pursuit of any and all who seek to do harm to the U.S. and our allies.”

Here’s Royce’s statement:

“This is a victory for our intelligence and military professionals and a victory for the American people. It also brings a sense of relief to all of those who lost loved ones on 9/11.

“The face of al-Qaida is dead. But the organization and its adherents live on. While we can rejoice, we can’t let our guard down.

“President Obama reported that Pakistani President Zardari was pleased. The concern is that many Pakistanis won’t feel that way.

“We’ve killed a lot of terrorists. This is the big one. His killing has great symbolic value worldwide.”

Here’s the statement from Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer:

“Almost ten years ago, after the horrific attacks of 9/11, I voted to go after Osama bin Laden to make sure justice prevailed. Today the world knows that he has paid the ultimate price for what he did.

“His death doesn’t lessen the tragic loss of all those killed by al Qaeda, or the pain of their loved ones, but it closes a chapter on his unspeakable act.

“I thank the President for his determination and I thank all the brave members of our Armed Forces who risked everything to carry out this mission of justice.”

Martin Wisckol covers coastal environment and development. Previously, he spent two decades as politics reporter and columnist for the Orange County Register. He’s also held reporting positions in Miami, Jacksonville, Detroit and his hometown of San Diego, with an emphasis on land use and urban planning. He is a lifelong surfer and has spent most of his life on the coast. His work has been honored by the Society of Professional Journalists, the National Headliner Awards, the California Newspaper Publishers Association, the Florida Press Club and the American Planning Association Florida Chapter.

Join the Conversation

We invite you to use our commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues in our community. Although we do not pre-screen comments, we reserve the right at all times to remove any information or materials that are unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane, indecent or otherwise objectionable to us, and to disclose any information necessary to satisfy the law, regulation, or government request. We might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions.

If you see comments that you find offensive, please use the “Flag as Inappropriate” feature by hovering over the right side of the post, and pulling down on the arrow that appears. Or, contact our editors by emailing moderator@scng.com.